Stopping Mind Games: Supporting the Whole College Student-Athletes

International Journal of Nursing and Health Science

© 2024 by SSRG - IJNHS Journal

Volume 10 Issue 1

Year of Publication : 2024

Authors : Melanie S. Poudevigne, Comfort N. Obi

10.14445/24547484/IJNHS-V10I1P103

How to Cite?

Melanie S. Poudevigne, Comfort N. Obi, "Stopping Mind Games: Supporting the Whole College Student-Athletes," SSRG International Journal of Nursing and Health Science, vol. 10,  no. 1, pp. 17-28, 2024. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/24547484/IJNHS-V10I1P103

Abstract:

There is growing attention toward mental health challenges faced by athletes, with prominent figures like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka sharing their struggles. This article examines actions addressing the mental health conditions of U.S. collegiate student-athletes by analyzing data from various sources to understand challenges and available support systems within this community. The authors evolve in public health and examine contemporary actions addressing the mental health conditions of American student-athletes, focusing on governmental initiatives, resources, and support services offered by organizations like the NCAA and the advocacy of university professors and mental health consultants. While these efforts are beneficial, disparities persist, particularly for marginalized groups like women, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC athletes. Recommendations include stress management programs, coach education, tailored interventions, collaborative efforts involving legislation, agencies, and funding organizations, improved mental health screening, enhanced awareness campaigns, and systemic changes to address discrimination and equity issues. The implementation of initiatives like the Social Work Interstate Compact Model Bill may improve access to mental health care for student-athletes, with a focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups.

Keywords:

AASP, Certified mental performance consultant, Community observation, Mental health, Student-athletes.

References:

[1] John Boozman, and Cory Booker, Arkansas, New Jersey Senators Introduce Legislation to Expand Mental Health Services for College Athletes, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/9/arkansas-new-jersey-senators-introduce-legislation-to-expand-mental-health-services-for-college-athletes
[2] John Boozman, and Cory Booker, Lead Measure to Enhance Suicide Prevention Efforts for College Athletes, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/9/boozman-booker-lead-measure-to-enhance-suicide-prevention-efforts-for-college-athletes
[3] National Collegiate Athletic Association, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/research/wellness/Dec2023RES_HW-MentalHealthRelease.pdf
[4] Lauren Beasley, and Steven Hoffman, “A Descriptive Look at the Mental Health Literacy of Student-Athletes,” Journal of Sport and Social Issues, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 256-276, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[5] Christopher Knowles et al., “Comparing Mental Health of Athletes and Non-Athletes as they Emerge from A COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown,” Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, vol. 3, pp. 1-11, 2021.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[6] Ling Beisecker et al., “Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Female Student-Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” British Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 58, pp. 278-285, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[7] Alex Siu Wing Chan et al., “Societal Discrimination and Mental Health among Transgender Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” BMC Psychology, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 1-15, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[8] Karen K. Kirst-Ashman, and Grafton H. Hull, Empowerment Series: Generalist Practice with Organizations and Communities, 7 th ed., Cengage Learning, Boston, United States, 2018.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[9] Reann D. Young et al., “Experiences of Current National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Collegiate Student-Athletes with Mental Health Resources,” Journal of Athletic Training, vol. 58, no. 9, pp. 704-714, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[10] David A. Jobes, Managing Suicidal Risk: A Collaborative Approach, 3rd ed., Guilford Publications, New York, United States, pp. 1-362, 2023.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[11] Timothy L. Neal et al., “Inter-Association Recommendations for Developing a Plan to Recognize and Refer Student-Athletes with Psychological Concerns at the Secondary School Level: A Consensus Statement,” Journal of Athletic Training, vol. 48, no. 5, pp. 716- 720, 2013.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[12] Association for Applied Sport Psychology, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://appliedsportpsych.org/resources/mental-wellness-resource-center/
[13] Jadyn Dunning, What Can Colleges and Universities Do to Support the Mental Health of Their Student-Athletes?, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.higheredtoday.org/2023/11/03/what-can-colleges-and-universities-do-to-support-the-mental-health-of-their-student-athletes
[14] Erica J. Seidel et al., “Communicating Mental Health Support to College Students during COVID-19: An Exploration of Website Messaging,” Journal of Community Health, vol. 45, pp. 1259-1262, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[15] Sarah J. Hatteberg, “Collegiate Athletes’ Use and Perceptions of Institutional Sources of Support for Role-Related Stressors,” Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, pp. 98-123, 2020.
[Google Scholar]
[16] Jimmy Sanderson et al., “Social Media Policies within NCAA Member Institutions: Evolving Technology and Its Impact on Policy,” Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, vol. 8, pp. 50-73, 2015.
[Google Scholar]
[17] David Cassilo, and Jimmy Sanderson, “Examining the Framing of Mental Health in Division I Student-Athlete Handbooks,” Journal of Intercollegiate Sport, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 25-51, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[18] Tsz Lun (Alan) Chu, Being Kind to Oneself and Beyond: Diverse and Flexible Approaches for Working with Athletes on Self-Compassion, Annual Meeting for the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://appliedsportpsych.org/annual-conference/virtual-schedule/
[19] Sara Oliveira et al., “How to Measure Compassion in Coaches? The Validation of a New Scale to Assess the Compassion Coaches’ Experience Towards their Athletes,” International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, pp. 1-17, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[20] Kelzie E. Beebe, and Trent A. Petrie, “On the Frontline of Athlete Mental Health: The Mental Health Literacy of NCAA Coaches,” The Sport Psychologist, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 38-47, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[21] Joanne C. Gerstner, Team USA, Building Trust is the Foundation of Mental Health Efforts, USOPC Officials Say, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.teamusa.com/news/2022/may/27/building-trust-is-the-foundation-of-mental-health-efforts-usopc-officials-say
[22] Kristina M. Navarro, Lisa Melanie Rubin, and Geoff Mamerow, Implementing Student-Athlete Programming: A Guide for Supporting College Athletes, Routledge, New York, United States, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[23] Karrie L. Hamstra-Wright, John E. Coumbe-Lilley, and Eduardo E. Bustamante, “Preventing Suicide and Promoting Mental Health among Student-Athletes from Diverse Backgrounds,” Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, vol. 1, pp. 1-6, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[24] National Collegiate Athletic Association, 2023. [Online] Available: https://www.ncaa.org/news/2023/4/26/media-center-di-board-of-directors-increases-benefits-for-college-athletes.aspx
[25] National Association of Social Workers, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.socialworkers.org/News/News-Releases/ID/2622/Social-Work-Profession-One-Step-Closer-to-Interstate-Licensure-Compact
[26] National Collegiate Athletic Association, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/research/wellness/Jan2024RES_HW-ConventionSlides.pdf